U.S. factory activity expands, jobs decline

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABERAssociated Press

July 2, 2013 12:01 AM

FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2013 photo, workers assemble cars along a line at the General Motors Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kan. U.S. manufacturing activity grew in June 2013 behind a pickup in new orders, exports and production, according to data released by the Institute for Supply Management. Better economic growth overseas is boosting U.S. exports and could help American factories rebound in the second half of the year. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)AP

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABERAssociated Press

July 2, 2013 12:01 AM

WASHINGTON -- U.S. manufacturing activity grew in June behind a pickup in new orders, exports and production. Better economic growth overseas is boosting U.S. exports and could help American factories rebound in the second half of the year.

The Institute for Supply Management said Monday that its index of factory activity increased to 50.9 in June. That's up from 49 in May, which was the lowest reading in four years.

A measure of export orders jumped to 54.5 from 51. That may be a response to growth in Japan and some European countries, economists said.

Still, a measure of manufacturing employment fell in June to 48.7, its lowest level since September 2009. That suggests Friday's June employment report will show factories cut jobs for the fourth straight month.

The mostly positive manufacturing survey contributed to strong gains on Wall Street and followed a pair of upbeat reports of factory growth overseas. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 155 points in midday trading, while broader stock indexes also gained.

U.S. manufacturing had slowed this year after providing crucial support to the economy for the first three years after the recession ended in June 2009. Europe's slump has weighed heavily on U.S. exports. And businesses cut back on their investment in machinery and equipment in the first quarter.

"The ISM rebound suggested the worst may be past for the global trade slowdown that has contributed to a significant recent soft patch in U.S. manufacturing," Ted Wieseman, an economist at Morgan Stanley, said in a note to clients.

A report in Europe showed improvement in manufacturing activity in Britain, France and Italy and stabilization in Spain.

And large manufacturers in Japan reported a positive outlook for the first time in nearly two years. The quarterly "tankan" survey showed that the outlook for services firms also increased. The stronger readings indicate that businesses are pleased with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to revive the nation's stagnant economy.

Still, China's manufacturing sector weakened in June, according to two separate surveys.